Saffron is a beneficial red spice that made of the plant saffron crocus’s dried stigmas. You may know of saffron as the spice used to flavor dishes, but saffron extract has a long and varied history in herbal medicine.
According to a review study from 2014, it’s been used in various countries to treat skin disease, respiratory issues, poor vision, pain, mental illness, gynecological problems, erectile dysfunction, and infections. [1]
Saffron is also a valuable ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Many people use saffron as a medicine to relieve common skin issues, including inflammation and acne.
A flawless skin is a result of rigorous and consistent beauty practices. No matter what your skin type is, a daily skin care routine can help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns like acne, scarring, and dark spots. Saffron can be a wonderful natural alternative to those synthetic cosmetics. Saffron has a variety of proven skin-friendly properties. [2]
How Does Saffron Help Your Skin?
Protect Skin from UV Radiation
UV radiation promotes the production of free radicals, which causes oxidative stress. As ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburns, wrinkles, lower immunity against infections, premature aging, and cancer, there is permanent need for protection from UV radiation and prevention from their side effects. [3] Studies suggest that saffron could be used as a natural UV-absorbing agent. It contains flavonoid compounds like kaempherol and quercetin, which could be contributing in this regard. [4]
Crocin, the active compound in saffron, might help. A 2018 lab study found that crocin has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. The study also found that crocin protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging. [5]
Fights inflammation
Inflammation, which can be caused by oxidative stress, is the root of many diseases. This includes inflammatory conditions involving the skin.
The antioxidant properties of crocin can help fight this oxidative stress and inflammation. According to the 2018 lab study mentioned above, crocin suppresses the expression of various inflammatory proteins. [5]
Supports wound healing
They are believed that Saffron is effective in damage repair and ensuring overall cellular health, so it will help skin recover from daily environmental, oxidative, sun damage [stress], healing everything from photodamage to loss of suppleness.” [6] Proper wound healing is a key for healthy skin. It lowers your risk of developing complications, including skin infections and scarring. [5]
In a 2008 animal study Trusted Source, a cream with saffron extract improved wound healing in mice. It increased the growth of skin cells, which is necessary to close wounds. The researchers credited this effect to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron. A 2017 lab study Trusted Source also found that saffron stimulates wound healing by promoting cell multiplication. [5]
Get Rid of hyperpigmentation
What exactly is hyperpigmentation? It’s any patch of skin that looks darker than your natural skin tone due to overproduction of the brown pigment melanin. You can develop hyperpigmentation due to scarring, sun exposure, or hormonal changes.
A 2013 human study discovered that saffron’s active compounds, including crocin, can decrease melanin. The compounds work by suppressing the tyrosinase, an enzyme that’s essential for melanin production. [5] If you’re bothered by darks spots due to hyperpigmentation on your skin, saffron is an all-around healing powerhouse, both internally and externally.
Brighten your skin
Saffron adds radiance to skin and Brightens skin complexion
Clear Up acne and blemishes
Saffron is an effective treatment to clean up acne, blemishes and blackheads. It will help get rid of acne and pimples. [7] On the skin, it can brighten, protect and heal.
Saffron Mask:
If you’re interested in using saffron for the skin, try the methods below. Note that while saffron is generally well tolerated, Allergic reactions can occur in some people while using saffron. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness or irritation, after using saffron in any of the treatments below, discontinue use.
Honey-saffron mask
Crush 3 strands of saffron and mix with 1 tbsp. of honey, and then apply the mixture to your skin to soothe skin treatment. After 10 minutes, rinse off and pat dry.
Saffron gel
The cooling effect of saffron gel is ideal for inflammation. Crush a couple of strands of saffron and mix with natural Aloe Vera gel and rose water. Apply a small amount to your skin and rub until absorbed.
Saffron face toner
Infuse Witch hazel and rose water with a couple of crushed strands of saffron for added skin benefits. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray on your skin or apply with a cotton ball.
Saffron oil moisturizer
To use saffron essential oil as a moisturizer, fill a 1-ounce bottle about two-thirds full with a carrier oil, like grape seed or almond in order to avoid overly sensitizing your skin. Add 3 to 5 drops of saffron essential oil. Apply to your skin with clean fingers.
There are a few other ways to use saffron for skin:
Saffron, Basil Leaves, and Rosewater to Cure Acne
Antibacterial properties of saffron, besides exfoliating capacity, make it a powerful face scrub for clearing up the skin and curing acne. To get rid of acne as fast as possible, Add 12-15 saffron strands to 2 tablespoons of pure rosewater. Let them soak in rose water for an hour. Now, take a handful of fresh basil leaves and grind with a little rose water to make a thick paste _Both saffron and basil are natural anti-bacterial agents, which curbs bacterial growth and shrinks the zits to a great extent. [8] Add the soaked saffron to this paste along with rose water and mix them. Apply the mixture on your face. Wait for 30 minutes so that it turns semi-dry. Rinse with cold water.
Saffron, Turmeric Powder, and Water for Pigmentation
Saffron and turmeric are natural antiseptic as well as a great skin lightening agent. Soak 8-10 strands of saffron in a tablespoon of water. And blend with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to make a smooth paste. Apply all over your face. After 15 minutes Wash off with plain water.
Saffron, Olive Oil, and Granulated Sugar for Pigmentation treatment
Add 8-10 strands of saffron to a tablespoon of pure olive oil. Combine with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Scrub off your skin gently with it to get rid of all impurities, you can use it twice to thrice every week.
Saffron, Coconut Oil, Milk, Sugar, and Rose Water to eliminate dullness of skin
Soak 2-3 strands of saffron in a teaspoon of raw milk. Leave it overnight. Add 4-5 drops of coconut oil, a teaspoon of rose water and a pinch of sugar to it, next day. Mix well and apply to your facial skin and after 15 minutes wash with water. Use it twice to thrice every week to turns your skin refreshed.
Saffron, Milk and Sunflower Seeds to make your skin glowing
Sunflower seeds are full of vitamin E and emollients, which not only make the skin well-hydrated but also turn it lighter. Soak sunflower seeds and saffron strands in the milk overnight. Blend it into a smooth paste and Apply all over the face as a mask. After 20 minutes, rinse off with water.